WMS Earthshaker SS Refurbishing project !

EARTHSHAKER (SS) 1989 Williams

Earthshaker (SS) 1989 manufactured by Williams in Illinois USA is a machine that I have been chasing for half a year.
First time I played the machine was at the event Pinball Swedish Master 2007 and I thought it had a great theme and just
right level of difficulties for me. In February 2008 I got the opportunity to buy one, from a member in the forum
Svenska Flipper Sällskapet. The previous owner had started to shop the playfield and removed all the mylar. I went to
look at the machine and become doubtful since the playfield was covered with glue residual from the mylar and both the
center and the skill shoot ramp was deformed, but in the same moment I thought it could be a nice project with
potential, despite it was the machine I had been chasing for a while. I got the playfield and two boxes with playfield
parts with me home, the cabinet where left for later pickup. Now I could immediately start to clean the playfield and
its parts. On the following pages you can follow the work with the machine and also see how I made own ramp protectors
and playfield paint touch ups.

"Ooohhh bitchin!!"

ARRIVAL

The picture show some of the spots with playfield wear. The complete surface was covered with glue residual from the mylar.

The topbox was separated from the cabinet to make the transportation easier, since there was difficulties
To get the CFTBL into a Saab 9-5 and to carry the machine down into the hobby room in the basement.

Topbox attached to the cabinet. The glass was in need of polish since there was residuals from sticker and tape glue.

Backglass where in good condition without any visible damage in the paint. To be mention is that
Earthshaker is one of the last machine to have painted backglass before the translites where introduced.

A lot of dirt and dust where found in the cabinet – need of cleaning.

Two boxes with playfield parts.

The skillshoot ramp where deformed as can be seen in the picture above.
The ball get stuck between the ramps walls – can not today give any explanation on how this has occurred.